Expert Resources

Pest Library

Drawing from 300 years of combined experience serving 100,000+ DC Metro homes, our expert guides help you spot exactly what's bugging you and how to get rid of it fast.

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18
Pest Categories
84
Species Guides
All Species A-Z

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Select a pest category below to explore detailed identification guides, behavior information, and professional control methods.

Close-up of ants showing their segmented bodies, bent antennae, and six legs
12 species
Ants

Ants are social insects that live in highly organized colonies. With over 12,000 known species worldwide, they are among the most common household pests, invading homes in search of food, water, and shelter.

Explore Ants
Honey bee collecting pollen from a flower
5 species
Bees

When bees nest too close to homes or in high-traffic areas, they can become a concern. Learn how to identify different bee species and understand the treatment options available for your situation.

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Close-up of a varied carpet beetle showing its distinctive mottled brown and tan pattern with a 1mm scale bar
5 species
Carpet Beetles

Carpet beetles are small, oval-shaped insects whose larvae cause significant damage to carpets, clothing, upholstery, and other natural fiber materials in homes.

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House centipede with long banded legs on a wall surface
1 species
Centipedes

House centipedes are fast-moving predatory arthropods commonly found in damp, dark areas of homes like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. They have numerous long legs and venomous claws used to capture insect prey.

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Close-up of a cockroach showing its oval body, long antennae, and brown coloring
8 species
Cockroaches

Cockroaches are resilient, nocturnal insects that thrive in warm, humid environments. As one of the most common household pests, they contaminate food, spread bacteria, and trigger allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.

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Close-up of a drain fly showing its distinctive fuzzy wings
8 species
Flies

Flies are two-winged insects that can become household nuisances. Many species breed in decaying organic matter, drains, and moist environments around homes.

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Close-up side view of a dark-winged fungus gnat showing its characteristic long legs and delicate wings
Gnats

Gnats are small, flying insects that often appear in clouds near moist environments. These tiny pests can be a nuisance in homes, particularly around houseplants, drains, and areas with decaying organic matter.

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Close-up of a millipede showing its cylindrical body and numerous legs
Millipedes

Millipedes are long, worm-like bugs with many legs. They move slowly and like damp places with rotting leaves and mulch.

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Close-up of clover mites showing their tiny red bodies
1 species
Mites

Mites are tiny pests that can enter homes in large numbers during spring and fall. Most house mites do not bite, but they can be a bother and may cause allergies.

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Close-up of a mosquito showing its slender body, long legs, and needle-like proboscis
Mosquitoes

Tiny, blood-feeding insects that spread disease and disrupt outdoor activities.

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Brown marmorated stink bug showing its shield-shaped body
12 species
Other Pests

Beyond common household pests, many occasional invaders can find their way into homes. From stink bugs to earwigs, these pests may not pose major threats but can be a nuisance when they appear in large numbers.

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House mouse showing its small body, large ears, and long tail
5 species
Rodents

Mice and rats are common household pests. They ruin food, spread germs, chew through wires, and breed fast. If you spot signs of rodents, getting help quickly is key.

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Silverfish image
Silverfish

Silverfish are small, wingless insects with a silvery-blue color and fish-like movements. They live in dark, humid areas and can damage books, paper, fabrics, and wallpaper.

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Spider on web showing eight legs and characteristic body structure
15 species
Spiders

Spiders can be difficult to control due to their varied entry points and behaviors. Most spiders are harmless predators that feed on insects, but some species like black widows and brown recluses can deliver venomous bites.

Explore Spiders
Eastern subterranean termite workers and soldiers showing their pale, creamy-white coloring
Termites

Termites can hide in your home for years and cause costly damage. Eastern subterranean termites are the most common wood-destroying bugs in the United States.

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Female lone star tick with distinctive white dot inside a glass jar
Ticks

Ticks are small blood-feeding parasites that spread diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis. The black-legged tick (deer tick) is the main carrier of Lyme disease in Northern Virginia.

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Paper wasp on its distinctive umbrella-shaped nest
12 species
Wasps

Wasps are stinging insects known for their aggressive defense of nests. Wasps near homes pose a significant sting risk, especially for those with allergies.

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Top-down view of an old house borer beetle on wood showing its elongated dark body with gray markings and long antennae
Wood Boring Beetles

Wood boring beetles are a group of insects whose larvae tunnel through and damage structural wood, furniture, and hardwood flooring in homes across North America.

Explore Wood Boring Beetles

Looking for a specific species? Browse our complete A-Z directory.

Browse All 84 Species A-Z
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